Chelsea in official negotiations to strike record-breaking deal for La Liga star

The London-based outfit Chelsea have reportedly opened negotiations with the La Liga side Athletic Bilbao over a possible deal to sign the 23-year-old ‘keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

According to Bilbao’s leading daily newspaper El Correo, the Blues have made the star aware of their interest and their intentions to trigger his €80 million release (buy-out) clause.

The report states that official negotiations between the two clubs’ officials are now open, with the Spaniard needing to be convinced about a move.

Reports that appeared this week suggested that the Spanish goalkeeper was one of the many players shortlisted to talk place of outgoing Belgian star Thibaut Courtois.

The strong shot-stopper is currently away from the Blues after failing to report for training in a bid to force through a transfer to the La Liga giants Real Madrid.

During French manager Zinedine Zidane’s time in charge of the Champions League winners, it was believed that Kepa Arrizabalaga could be the long-term replacement for South American Keylor Navas, but they have since turned their attention back towards Thibaut, who has long been angling for a return to Spain.